The Raiders were clinging to a 10-7 lead early in the second quarter before pulling away with a strong defensive effort.
View full sizeMount Union's defense swarms after a fumble during the Purple Raiders' 37-7 victory over Alfred in Saturday's NCAA Div. III quarterfinal game in Alliance.Joe Magill
Special to The Plain Dealer
ALLIANCE, Ohio -- Through the years fans have been spoiled by the Mount Union football team.
In winning 10 Division III national championships in 17 years, the Purple Raiders have made a habit out of shredding their opponents, often by gaudy scores that made it seem it was men playing against boys.
But what if that doesn't happen, such as Saturday's 37-7 national quarterfinal victory over Alfred University? While it appears to have been a typical blowout, the Raiders were clinging to a 10-7 lead early in the second quarter, having struggled mightily on offense.
In the first quarter, Mount Union quarterback Neal Seaman completed only three of 10 passes for 32 yards and tailback Jeremy Murray averaged only 2.6 yards on 11 carries. One drive started on the Alfred 6 after an interception by Walsh Jesuit graduate Alex Ferrara, but three plays lost two yards and a field goal ensued.
"On offense we probably looked sporadic, but that was a good defensive team," Mount Union coach Larry Kehres said. "Their linebackers were very good. As opposed to thinking that we played poorly, I want to recognize that Alfred had a good defense that was very disciplined."
Eventually the Raiders pulled away, and it was a defensive play that was the key, as Nick Driskill picked up a fumble early in the third quarter and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown and a 27-7 Mount Union lead.
"It was pretty apparent why they're the No.1 defense in the country," Alfred coach Dave Murray said. "They have tremendous team speed and it made it difficult for us to do anything."
Alfred quarterback Tom Secky had a miserable day, completing just eight of 33 passes for 122 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Freshman tailback Austin Dwyer entered needing just 17 yards to set a single season rushing record, but it wasn't until late in the game that he got it, ending with 22 yards on 15 carries.
"Every player on their defense is fast and athletic," Secky said. "It was basic stuff that we've seen all year, but they have 11 guys who are great on defense."
Murray said his team's defense did a great job of keeping the Saxons in the game. But it was almost as if an offensive explosion by the Raiders was inevitable.
"You always feel like you're sitting on a powder keg waiting to explode with Mount Union's offense," he said.
The offense was spearheaded by Collinwood's Cecil Shorts, who had 199 all-purpose yards and scored one touchdown on a 15-yard pass from Seaman. Murray also eventually got going, finishing with 122 yards on 33 carries and one touchdown. Fullback Wes Ryder added 52 yards on seven carries, including a 20-yard TD.
The Raiders, 13-0 and ranked No.2 in the country, next host No. 14 Bethel, which upset No.4 St. Thomas, 12-7.
Joe Magill is a freelance writer based in University Heights.